If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you may be experiencing problems related to alcohol and/or drug abuse.
1. Have you ever experienced feelings of guilt or remorse about your alcohol or drug use, or after using alcohol or drugs?
2. Have your family or friends ever told you about things you did while under the influence of alcohol or drugs that you don’t remember doing?
3. Have you failed to meet those obligations or responsibilities normally expected of you?
4. Have you ever drank or used drugs first thing in the morning to steady yourself or get over a hangover?
Alcohol and drug problems are not always related to amount or frequency.
More often, a problem indicates that changes are taking place within the individual or their family. For many people, alcohol and drug abuse affect their lives in a painful way - relationships with family and friends may become strained and there may be trouble at work or school. Feelings of fear, shame, loneliness and frustration become frequent companions.
The
American Medical Association recognizes drug dependency and alcoholism as illnesses which can be successfully treated.
The earlier these problems are both acknowledged and resolved, the better the chance of recovery. But, left untreated, these illnesses can progress with devastating results on the individual, family and community.